United States’ head coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his side can beat Belgium (Picture: AP Photo)

The final last-16 game between the USA and Belgium promises to be an intriguing encounter. So far, with six of the eight matches down, no underdog has toppled the favourite.

Chile came closest but ultimately failed in a penalty shoot-out against Brazil. Algeria fought bravely against Germany but lost in extra time. Will the Americans be the giant killers?

They’ll certainly believe in themselves. Having come out of the group of death, seeing off Ghana and undeservedly losing a lead against Portugal, they will fear no one in the knockout rounds – least of all Belgium.

The Belgians were a lot of people’s pre-tournament dark horses but when you look through their squad there’s little to be unaware of with plenty of world class talent playing in the major leagues in Europe. They’ve ticked along rather quietly down in Group H, winning all three of their games but in fairly underwhelming fashion. Not setting the competition alight by any means, but getting the job done.

The USA have had a more high profile World Cup and have proven in each game that they have the ability to get a result against any team. Jurgen Klinsmann has instilled a remarkable sense of unity in the squad that resonates from the starting 11 to the substitutes’ bench, and has his side set up as extremely tough to beat.

Belgium have yet to hit their best form at the World Cup (Picture: AP Photo)

Belgium have found it difficult to break down their three group teams; Algeria, Russia and South Korea – but the USA will be an even greater challenge if they can replicate a performance akin to the one that drew 2-2 against Portugal.

Defensively the American’s structure has been good and bar some tremendous moments of magic from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Thomas Muller, haven’t had a lot of troubles to deal with. Of course Eden Hazard and co. are capable of finding that magic. That’s why Kyle Beckerman, Jermaine Jones and their American comrades will need to be at their very best once again.

The USA will believe they can beat Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Belgium and sometimes that optimism can take you further than your abilities may deem worth. Omar Gonzalez spoke of Klinsmann’s positive mentality.

‘He puts all his faith in us and he gives us all of the confidence in the world, and we believe that we can step on the field with any team and beat them,’ he said.

That belief and optimism will be necessary to defeat Belgium tonight. We’re due an upset and the American’s are just the side to give us one. But will it really be that much of a shock if the USA who drew against Portugal show up?